But the well-credentialled Leon MacDonald takes over as coach from former All Blacks teammate Tana Umaga, while the maligned franchise has also pulled off arguably the biggest recruitment coup of 2019. Two-time World Cup winner Ma’a Nonu could be the key to bringing out the best in a roster that includes Sonny Bill Williams, Rieko and Akira Ioane, Augustine Pulu and Patrick Tuipolotu.

The No.10 jersey again shapes as a problem spot, however.

After losing their last 19 games to their fellow New Zealand teams, picking up conference derby wins is crucial to the Blues’ hopes. They head into their Round 1 assignment against the Crusaders as $3.05 outsiders.

But the Brumbies are a threat on the strength of David Pocock alone, and their tight-five is comfortably the best and most experienced in the conference. They need to find ways to unleash backline trumps Tevita Kuridrani and Henry Speight more regularly.

The Rebels were on course for a historic finals berth in 2018 but faded late, missing out on for-and-against. They are the dark horse in the mix. But the Brad Thorn-coached Reds have lost plenty and added little – they look no chance of making an impression.

With wins over NZ teams as rare as hen’s teeth, conference derby wins will be worth their weight in gold. The Brumbies’ ($1.61) clash with the Rebels ($2.30) on Friday night could set the tone for both contenders’ campaigns.

Our Super Rugby season is already off to a flyer with Brookvale Oval looking as though it will be jam packed this Saturday night.

It’s less obvious where Hunt fits into a full-strength Waratahs’ line-up. He could find himself coming off the bench for much of the season. The Waratahs, $13 to add to their 2014 Super Rugby triumph, will surely get more value from the returning Adam Ashley-Cooper.

5. Will Lions get another free rider?

The Johannesburg-based Lions have topped the South African Conference for three straight seasons. Their ranking has helped them through to the last three Super Rugby finals – losing all three to Kiwi opposition.

The Lions have been backed into $1.53 to make it four straight conference titles, despite going backwards slightly in 2018. They finished the regular season with a 9-7 record (after going 14-1 in 2017), only finishing above the Jaguares due to bonus points.

The Lions have also lost a handful of key forwards to the UK, though their backline looks electric as ever. But $9.50 for the Lions to go one better on the past three seasons and win a maiden title doesn’t hold much value.

Warren Whiteley will lead a strong Emirates Lions side when they take the field against the Jaguares in their Vodacom Super Rugby opener in Argentina on Saturday evening (23:40 SA time). #JAGvLIO#LionsPridepic.twitter.com/gS6POZKrEJ

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